Meet LITH Village Board Candidate Steven Harlfinger

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — Four candidates are vying for three open seats on the Lake in the Hills Village Board. Here is the candidate profile for Steven Harlfinger:

Age (as of Election Day): 45

Town/City of Residence: Lake In The Hills

Office Sought: Village board or city council

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Some College

Occupation: Project Director

Campaign website: Committee to Elect Stephen J. Harlfinger Facebook

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Currently Village Trustee - Elected

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Adapting to the times of Covid19 and the impact it has had on residents and local businesses.
I have worked to ease sign restrictions so businesses can show that they are open. Ensuring they are following recommended health and safety precautions to remain open. Also working with staff to limit late fees and extend due dates for our residents on Village Fees such as water, and reviewing permit fees.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Any movement that supports education of basic human rights is a plus. This group has had many different views associated with it. To favor it over another is not my role, nor should it be. So as long as a group demonstrates peacefully for their cause, they are protected by their first amendment right. Even if I disagree or agree with their objective.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

Yes, but we can certainly do more! I’m always open to suggestions on how to support educating about race, creed, and religion!

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

Businesses and residents should be allowed to exercise commerce, as long as they are taking measure to ensure public health and safety measures based on educated guidelines.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

To early to tell. My concern is that I do not recall the FDA approving any of the current vaccines. Nor do I recall seeing the AMA supporting a vaccine.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Having grown up in this village and living in a few different neighborhoods of my time, I understand the community and the expectations they have.

I have been an advocate to place building ordinances that help our residents be safer and educating about health and safety matters. I was instrumental in our Smoke and CO Combo Ordinance, working with staff to develop the ordinance. Also worked directly with staff for our roofing ordinance, and our residential sprinkler advisory statement.

I work in construction professionally and have learned from surrounding communities near and far on various ordinances and operations. Taking this knowledge and experience to work with residents and staff to improve where we can, and adapt as needed our practices and services we provide.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

We need to continue to push and develop commercial and industrial growth in the Village to help offset taxes that our residents face. My record shows that I am pro-business development so as long as it does not have a negative impact on the surrounding neighborhoods.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My record, ability to see room for improvement where needed in the services we provide, work with staff and developers to bring in businesses, and help both our residents and businesses address issues they face.
Examples of this was my push to place a moratorium on our sign ordinances when businesses needed to promote themselves during the quarantines.
When 3 of the Non For Profits that serve our Village needed some assistance we worked to help ease their burden financially.

The insight I have from working in countless communities, taking some of their ideas, and applying it here in Lake In The Hills.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Continue to focus on developing our commercial and industrial areas. Concentrate on developing our Route 47 and Route 31 Areas. Work with existing businesses to reduce empty storefronts. Keep residents involved in what improvements we need to make serving them, and what we provide as a Village. Such as park improvements, continued programs we offer, work with our various festival and civic groups to offer great family entertainment.

Why should voters trust you?

I do what I say, and have always put this Village first! Growing up here, a lot of residents have held me to a higher standard, for I represent what we were, what we are, and what we can continue to grow as. Which is a thriving community, working with our neighboring communities to ensure that Lake In The Hills grows as the residents direct.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

We have continued to win awards for our fiscal policies, and the budgets we approve. There’s always room for improvement, and working with staff we have done more for less over the past several years.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

I plan on sticking around just as I always have. This is my hometown!

The best advice ever shared with me was:

If the shoe fits, pay attention!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My entire life has been about servicing others. From Cub Scouts to my time in the Army. I serve at the residents will, and should they decide I’m no longer needed at this level, I’ll likely put my efforts towards one of our many civic groups, such as The American Legion, POA, Rotary, or maybe even bring another group to the Village.